NSF Commits Funding to Sustain a US Scientific Presence in the Antarctic

9 June 2026

The Research Vessel Icebreaker Nathaniel B. Palmer. (Image credit: NSF)

The US National Science Foundation has awarded KBR Services LLC (KBR) the Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract to provide planning, management, and execution support for the US Antarctic Program (USAP).

The Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity contract is scheduled to begin June 2, 2026, with a 20-year period of performance and a ceiling value of $8 billion.

“The United States Antarctic Program is the cornerstone of our nation’s scientific leadership and strategic presence in Antarctica, and NSF takes seriously our responsibility to operate it with the highest standards of excellence,” said Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director. “We look forward to working with KBR to continue the USAP’s legacy of global leadership in the most remote continent on Earth.”

KBR will provide comprehensive support for all three US research stations and assets in Antarctica, ensuring continuity of the groundbreaking science enabled by USAP and operations of the three year-round stations and other research infrastructure. USAP supports all US scientific research and related logistics in Antarctica. NSF manages USAP on behalf of the nation.

Learn more about USAP at https://www.nsf.gov/geo/opp/us-antarctic-program.